Hurtigruten has announced a major renovation initiative for 2016 with all four of its mid-1990s-built ships are being upgraded with new interiors and furnishings.
The Norwegian shipyard Fosen Yards has won the contract to do the work.
The four ships will be rotated through the shipyard with work expected to take a little over three weeks for each of the four ships: the MS Polarlys (completed by Feb. 2); MS Kong Harald (Feb. 7); MS Nordkapp (April 19); and MS Nordnorge (Nov. 18). The new MS Spitsbergen, undergoing a more major upgrade to fit in with the current fleet, will launch in the Spring.
“As we continue to reinvent the Hurtigruten experience by combining tradition, innovation and sustainability, our ship upgrades aim to ensure our position as an innovator and leading force in nature-based explorer travels in polar waters,” said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
The updated look for these ships has been named “New Arctic Interior.”
All of the ship’s common areas, reception foyers, cafes and bistro areas and the aft deck will be renovated. The colors will be earthy and derived from the coast and the sea, while making use of many natural materials, such as wood, slate and leather. Designs and shapes are expected to bear a resemblance to those found in nature – such as the flow of the waves or the strength of the majestic fjords.